Stay Humble

What should everyone know about you?
DD: I’m a senior apparel graphic artist/designer with 13 plus years professional experience in the fashion/apparel industry.

How would you describe what you do?
DD: I create/design graphics for apparel products and accessories.

 
Why did you choose to be a designer?
DD: My choosing to become a designer happened pretty naturally as I’ve always loved art, had a great eye for composition, and typography.

What steps did you take to become a designer?
DD: My high school was Stivers School for the Arts where I focused on visual arts and computer graphics. I then went to Columbus College of Art and Design and Majored in Advertising and Graphic Design.

Best/Most Challenging part of your job?
DD: The best part about my job is definitely the creation process. The most challenging part would have to be making cuts to the line when I feel strongly about a particular piece.

If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
DD: I would still be in the creative field for sure. Possibly an illustrator or photographer as those are other passions of mine.

How did you get started in design?
DD: As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for drawing and creating art. After winning a top honor in a scholastic art competition in high school, I decided that this was something I wanted to pursue.

What do you like about what you do?
DD: I like the feeling of seeing my product in the stores and also when I see people walking down the street wearing something I created.

What’s a common misconception people have about what you do?
DD: The most common and probably the biggest misconception is that designers have an “EASY” button or a magic wand on their computer. Although that is a tool in photoshop. LoL.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
DD: I’ll definitely still be designing but as for who or where, I’m not sure. I eventually want to have my own design firm/studio so maybe that will be off the ground by then.

What sparked your interest in design?
DD: One of my first sparks came when my high school computer lab got their first apple computers along with an extremely early version of photoshop. I’ve been hooked ever since.

How has your work evolved since you began your career?
DD: My work used to be very illustrative and photoshop heavy. Now depending on the project, it’s more of a mixture of hand and/or digital typography and more illustrator than photoshop.

Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
DD: I’ve never been a suit and tie everyday type of person.

What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
DD: I’m really impressed with all the hand lettering and custom type that’s been going on. I’ve definitely incorporated more of that look and feel into some of my recent work.

What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
DD: One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that there can be multiple solutions to the same problem.

What advice would you give to young designers?
DD: My advice to young designers is pretty simple. You should love what you do and stay on your grind.

What would you like to achieve before the end of the year?
DD: I would like to finish a couple new illustrations before the end of the year.

Are you superstitious or do you have any rules you live by?
DD: Put God first in all that you do.

What’s your motto?
DD: Be kind, hustle hard, stay humble.

Learn more about Susan at StylePortfolios.com

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